Clown(s) needed (Indiana)

[cindybee]

Our elementary school "O Ambassadors" are doing a fundraiser for the African Children's Choir. We are looking for volunteer clowns to help entertain at a carnival at Carmel high school on MAY 30th from 5-8:00.

We woud be grateful for any clown help. Our goal is to help our children learn the benefit of volunteering and the joy of giving their time to help others.

from our press release:

Carmel Elementary was chosen as a site for the O Ambassadors program. The O Ambassadors program is a joint project of Oprah’s Angel Network and Free the Children. The main goal is to empower young leaders to dream big and make global changes. It is hard to believe that there are people in the world who still don’t have access to basic needs, such as food, clean water or primary education. And sometimes it is difficult to appreciate the struggles of others when it’s not part of our own experience. But through this program, kids can learn about the lives of others and how they can make a positive difference in the world.

The students have been engaging in step-by-step explorations of active learning and idea-sharing. Throughout the year, we have explored four main themes in the East African region:
-Poverty -Education
-Health -Sustainable Development

The program included:

-researching East Africa and the issues the people face
-planning a fundraiser
-development of empathy and awareness

The reciprocity of giving and receiving is an invigorating and contagious feeling can accumulate in these kids as they grow into compassionate adults and leaders of our world. Education is the first step to solving a problem, and kids have the idealism that adults often lack. Thus, who better to change the injustices in our world than those who see without boundaries, those who think without limits, and those who care unconditionally?

Therefore, as a culminating activity to the work we have done this year, we are planning a community wide end-of-the-school year carnival at Carmel High School. This event would be open to all 11 elementary schools in Carmel which reaches roughly 6,500 kids and families. The carnival is scheduled to take place on the last day of school, May 30th from 5-8 p.m. These are the events we are currently working towards making a reality. We appreciate your willingness to help!


Hot dog eating contest with leaders of the city
Autograph Colts’ Memorabilia as a raffle
Face Painting
Moon Walks
Radio Disney Contests
Food Vendors
Bingo tents
Lots of games

Gratefully,
Stephanie Borlik sborlik@ccs.k12.in.us
Ashley Aletto
aaletto@ccs.k12.in.us

[TIC TOC]

I SUGGEST GETTING IN CONTACT WITH YOUR CLOSEST SHRINE TEMPLE AND SEE IF THEY CAN HELP, MOST HAVE A CLOWN UNIT. YOU CAN GO TO Shriners - Welcome. TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS A TEMPLE CLOSE

[Miss Petunia]

I just sent an e-mail in response to this post. I'll let you all know what happens. I live about 45 minutes from that location.
Miss D.

[Fitzwilly]

If I remember my demographics correctly, Carmel is very, very upscale and shouldn't have any problem paying a reasonable rate for professional entertainment. If after a little more research you feel this is a cause worthy of contributing your time to (and I am in no way suggesting that it is not) then I would suggest a reduced fee and not free. With the price of gas and out supplies continually going up there would be some consideration.

Also, I am curious to know it the bounce houses were donated; if the face painters are donating their time (and if they are using FDA approved paints); if the hot dogs and other food was donated (in whole or in part); and what type of pre-promotion the other sponsors of this event are getting. We are professionals and we deserve the respect that other professionals get.

Not meant to be a rant but I have answered a number of "I want a free clown" requests lately.

[Jitterbug]

I agree with Fitzwilly. I would be willing to help, but it's a 3 hour drive. I LOVE the African children's choir, but I wouldn't be able to handle all the gas $. Let us know.

[Miss Petunia]

I haven't heard anything back from the organizers of this event. I e-mailed both of them. I was planning on charging something, especially after reading Fitzy's post. I let you all know if anything materializes, although at this stage, I don't think it will.

Miss D.

[Bonkers #361]

I agree with Fitz too! I am doing a event next weekend for free because I am stupid and said sure. Little did I know I was contacted by a professinal event cordinator. Now she wants me to do another event for free! I told I could work with her on a price but I had to be paid for my gas and my makeup no matter how cause worthy the event because now I know she is getting paid! Boy do I feel STUPID!

[Pickles]

Bonkers:

Don't feel stupid; you'll know better next time.

I don't consider myself to be a very good business woman/clown, and it was really hard in the beginning to figure out what my clown services were worth monetarily. I realized that I had to decide for what causes I was willing to volunteer and then limit my volunteer clowning to those. Any other organization that wanted me would have to pay a fee. In the end, I decided I would clown on a volunteer basis for hospitals, nursing homes, my kids' schools, cancer patient benefits, and my church. Through the years, I've pretty much stuck with that decision.

Once you decide if and when you are going to volunteer, it's much easier to ask other groups for a fee.

[Waldo]

I donate time for a Kids-in-Grief program, but the coordinator still pays me for supplies and travel. People just don't understand to do that 1 hour show, you have several hours in preparation, planning, practice, make-up, travel, clean-up. The show is the shortest part of the whole process.

[Bonkers #361]

an Update on my event. My Grandfather that is 92 fell on monday night and broke his hip. I notified this lady. And all she could think was her advertiseing she basicly informed me that If I did not make good that she would make sure I did not clown again in my area. I laughed I work 70 - 75 hours a week on my job and I clown for fun NOT money. I saved the email and made a threat to take to the media to show she is all heart